FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelann Ooten, Public Information Officer

Office 405-521-2481

WINTER STORM TO IMPACT STATE

Due to the approaching winter storm, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) are working with numerous emergency response, recovery partners to take steps in advance of threatened impacts.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

A winter storm is on track to impact the state tonight through Wednesday. Widespread significant accumulations of snow and sleet are likely across central and eastern Oklahoma with some forecasts calling for upwards of 8 to 12 inches of snow in the northeast. Other areas will experience lesser amounts of winter precipitation. Strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures the next few days will create dangerous travel and exposure conditions.

RESOURCE COORDINATION

Over the weekend OEM secured from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) industrial size generators along with bottled water, MREs (meals ready to eat), cots and blankets. The resources will be used in the event shelters are needed due to stranded motorists or power outages. The generators will also be used to provide power to water treatment plants in the event of electric service disruptions. The FEMA generators will augment the industrial e generators OEM already has positioned around the state. Please note these generators are NOT for residential use.

OEM continues to receive updates from the National Weather Service and stands ready to assist local emergency managers, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other disaster relief agencies in opening shelters and mass feeding sites if necessary.

OKLAHOMANS SHOULD MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS NOW

Oklahomans are urged to take the steps now to prepare for the storm’s anticipated arrival later today. Once the storm arrives, please heed the recommendation of public safety and transportation officials regarding travel conditions.

Have A Plan:

Understand the hazards of wind chill. Cold temperatures are even more dangerous, and potentially deadly, when combined with strong winds. The lower the temperature and stronger the wind, the more at risk you are.

Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly. Make sure they are prepared.